Retired 2016 Formula One world champion Nico Rosberg says genetics, mind management and being less self-enamoured than some of the other drivers all played a part in his success. The German retired abruptly at the end of last season after beating Mercedes team mate Lewis Hamilton to the title and becoming the second son of a champion to win the championship.

Finnish father Keke was world champion in 1982.

“I just from my dad genetically inherited a natural gift to drive racing cars,” Rosberg, who is now looking at technology startup companies, told an event in London organised by Wired magazine.

“I’m a firm believer that genetics are quite a big part of this…I would probably say 66 percent genetics, 33 percent nurtured,” he added.